We arrived safely in Omaha on Sunday evening. Cheryl had meetings yesterday, so I had the day to do what I wanted. I decided to walk to a grocery store to get breakfast items, snacks and sodas for our room. It was a beautiful morning, so I decided to walk. Google Maps said I could walk the 3.7 miles in one hour and fifteen minutes. I needed some exercise, so I went for it.

I walked through the campus of Creighton University, which is beautiful. It was well kept and even had some shade trees every now and then. Next came a neighborhood of well-maintained homes that appeared to have been built around 100 years ago. There were oak trees lining the street that were almost that old.

I got to see lots of flowers, some of which we have growing in our yard back home. Others that were thriving here we have never been able to grow in our beds. The lawns were mostly manicured and nicely landscaped. I was enjoying the beauty of it all.

I started getting a little warm after about 2 miles, and God had a sprinkler system go off to give me a refreshing little shower. There was then a steep uphill walk for about 2/3 of a mile, but it was mostly shaded and God has a nice little breeze blow right on my face at that time. During that time, I had put my phone in my pocket. When I took it out to see how much further I had to go, all the apps had shut down and the screen had a message saying that my phone was overheating. I was glad it wasn’t the owner who was overheating.

The last third of a mile was all downhill. The trip took me just five minutes longer that Google said it would. And I got everything on my list at the store.

I saw God’s gracious provision for me throughout my walk. I simply tried to take it all in and be in the moment. I remembered and thought about the theme of the first National Youth Gathering I attended: “Blessed in the Journey.” Too often in life I have rushed through things, trying to get from point A to point B without enjoying the journey. Yesterday was not one of those days. As I walked I thanked God for letting me enjoy the journey.

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

I live in the certainty that Jesus is my Savior from sin and death. I know He has given me everything I need to be reconciled to God the Father. But He has given me so much more. The ability to walk and see. The chance to enjoy my life and the places I have been. Blessings to numerous to count. I should remember that more often.

I hope you will be blessed in your journey today.

Oh, in case you were wondering, I took an Uber back to the hotel. I was blessed by the A/C in that vehicle and a delightful conversation with my driver.